The Catholic Church in Gujarat, India, is feeling frustrated. Recently, the High Court confirmed that the state government can appoint staff in Catholic high schools. This decision has sparked sadness and disappointment among church leaders, especially as it came just before India’s Republic Day celebrations.
Archbishop Thomas Macwan expressed his dismay, emphasizing that the church’s legal team argued that staff appointments are a fundamental right. He said, “It is disappointing that the judge approved the government takeover.” Article 30 of the Indian Constitution supports minorities in running their educational institutions, making this ruling particularly concerning for the Catholic community.
The church plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, hoping for a more positive outcome in 2025, which marks a significant anniversary for India. Father Teles Fernandes, the secretary of the Gujarat Board of Catholic Educational Institutions, also voiced concern. He stated that the right to appoint staff is crucial for managing schools effectively.
In 2021, the Gujarat government changed the laws governing education, taking control over staff appointments in private schools that receive government funds. In most other Indian states, while the government pays salaries, school management has the right to hire staff. However, in Gujarat, only higher secondary schools benefit from government salary support, making the situation more challenging.
The Catholic Church operates 57 aided schools in a state where Christians represent less than 1% of a population of 64 million. Other religious groups, such as Jews, Jains, Muslims, and Parsis, also manage similar institutions. Father James Varghese of the Orthodox Church mentioned that after the 2021 amendments, the government isn’t approving their hired staff, leaving them struggling to pay teachers.
The sentiments of shock and disbelief extend beyond the Catholic Church. Austin Haeems, who manages three Jewish schools with about 6,000 students, expressed similar concerns about the implications of the court’s ruling. He noted that previously, Gujarat had over 2,000 Jewish residents, but now only about 100 remain, with most having migrated to Israel.
This ongoing situation reflects broader issues regarding educational rights and governance in India, especially for minority communities. As the church and other institutions prepare to challenge the ruling, they remain hopeful for a future where they can freely manage their schools and fulfill their educational missions.
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Asia – Pacific, religious freedom, Catholic News, Supreme Court, India, Gujarat
